Bono Runs into the Headlines with Nike

Bono has teamed up with Nike for a charity launch, but not without some controversy.

It’s an inherent hypocrisy the rich and famous can’t avoid – musicians, actors and models are often over paid. And it is from this platform of privilege that many can afford to be charitable. The likes of Angelina Jolie and George Clooney have made their names known when it comes to activist or charitable works for the UN. And Bono has long been associated with a cause of one sort or another. This time, he’s joined forces with sports giant Nike to help fund an aid project in Africa.

Nike, Bono and Apple

But it seems even when celebrities work hard to do good things, they still face criticism and flak. Bono is collaborating with Nike urging consumers to buy clothes from the brand to help fund aid projects in Africa. In an interview with the Daily Mail Bono was asked if he thought people would be sympathetic to such a request from a man known for his immense wealth. He told the Daily Mail: “I'm having a great life and even though I can be a pain in the a*** going on about all this stuff, the band feel strongly about it too.”
Bono said that people less fortunate than himself can still contribute to the Nike project. He admitted to the paper that he is “over-rewarded” for what he does: “…I'm trying to give my time and my resources but you know, I'm a rich rock star, so shoot me.”

Lace Up Save Lives – Nike Backs Bono

The Lace Up Save Lives campaign is a partnership with Nike and the RED brand which Bono co-founded. Other big brands including Dell, Gap and Apple have joined the initiative. A percentage of the money spent on some off their products, such as Nike trainers, will go towards the aid project in Africa. The idea is that if you’re going to spend money on a Nike product for example, then the Nike corporation will put their hands in their own pockets by donating the percentage of profit.

U2 Evade Taxes

But Bono recently faced fierce criticism for U2’s decision to move their business from Ireland to their Netherlands, where there is virtually no tax on royalties. The move has thought to have saved them, but deprived Ireland of around £15m. The decision to move came in 2006 after new regulation put a cap on tax-free incomes for artists at £230,000.

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